Apparatus for storing the chain of a chain saw

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for storing a chain of a chain saw includes a lower element and an upper element. The lower element includes at least one pair of pegs for receiving a chain. At least one peg of the at least one pair of pegs is moveably mounted with respect to the lower element. The upper element is pivotally coupled to the lower element for movement between an upper position and a lower position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to chain saws. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for storing the chain of a chain saw that prevents the chain from tangling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chain saw operators frequently use multiple chains. This adds convenience to their work as different jobs have different cutting requirements. Multiple chain saws with different bar lengths also require different chains. Furthermore, using multiple chains allows the operator to quickly replace a dull chain. Replacing the dull chain is more efficient than trying to sharpen the dull chain. This allows the operator to complete the work faster. Furthermore, chains are prone to breaking. Most chain saw operators do not have the experience to repair a broken chain. Using multiple chains allows the operator to replace the broken chain quickly.

The two main issues when dealing with chain saws are storage of the chains, and the safety of the operator. Typically, the chains are stored in buckets, pails, chain saw cases, or with nails. With these storage devices, the chain can tangle. In transportation, a chain is usually placed carelessly in the storage device. Rarely does it survive the trip without becoming coiled up and knotted upon itself. Those who work with chain saws know the danger and inconvenience of untangling a chain.

A tangled chain exposes the operator to a safety threat. Untangling the chain exposes the operator to the sharp cutting edges of the chain. Therefore, safety and convenience require a new storage device that prevents the chain from tangling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for storing a chain of a chain saw, the apparatus comprising a lower element including at least one pair of pegs for receiving a chain, at least one peg of the at least one pair of pegs being moveably mounted with respect to the lower element; and an upper element pivotally coupled to the lower element for movement between an upper position and a lower position.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for storing multiple chains of a chain saw constructed in accordance with the teachings of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a slightly modified embodiment of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled sliding peg of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the locking bolts of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the locking spools of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the locking handles of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

With initial reference to FIG. 1, a case for storing multiple chains for a chain saw constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 10. As will become more apparent below, the case 10 contains a plurality of pegs arranged in cooperating pairs. Each pair of pegs is adapted to retain and store a chain and includes a stationary peg 12 and sliding peg 14. The construction and operation of the pegs 12 and 14 will be described further below in connection with the detail views of FIGS. 3-6.

The apparatus 10 is illustrated to generally include a base 16 and a lid 18. The base 16 and lid 18 cooperate to define an interior compartment for the storage of the chains. The lid 18 is preferably pivotally coupled to the base 16 for relative movement between a closed position and an open position. In the embodiment illustrated, the lid 18 is coupled to the base 16 through a pair of conventional hinge mechanisms 20.

In one particular application, the base 16 and lid 18 are constructed of an injection molded plastic. Alternatively, the base 16 and lid 18 may be constructed of other suitable materials well known in the art.

The apparatus 10 is further shown to include a latch or latching mechanism 22. The latch 22 is carried by the lid 18 and cooperates with a portion of the base 16 to selectively maintain the lid 18 in its closed position. The latching mechanism 22 will be understood to be conventional in construction insofar as the present invention is concerned.

The apparatus 10 is further shown to include a floor or panel 24 disposed within the base 16. The panel 24 is similarly constructed of a plastic material. As will become more apparent below, the pegs 12 and 14 are secured to the plastic panel 24.

Turning briefly to FIG. 2, an apparatus for storing multiple chains for a chain saw constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 10′. In view of the similarities between the preferred embodiment and the alternative embodiment, like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate similar elements. The apparatus 10′ of the alternative embodiment of the present invention differs from the apparatus 10 of the preferred embodiment by incorporating a handle 30. The handle 30 is typically coupled to an exterior side of the lid 18. Attachment of the handle 16 may be accomplished in any manner well known in the art.

The apparatus 10′ further differs from the apparatus 10 in length and width dimensions. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that such variations in length and width are a matter of engineering choice and are within the scope of the present invention.

With reference again to FIG. 1, the lid 18 of the case 10 is shown to integrally define a plurality of tool retaining grooves 26. These grooves 26 are disposed on an interior side of the lid 18. The retaining grooves 26 are specifically sized for holding a variety of tools (not shown) of different shapes, sizes, and uses. For example, a groove 26 a may hold a wrench (not shown), while a groove 26 b may hold various files (not shown) or other tools associated with repairing chains of chain saws. The resilient nature of the injection molded plastic of the preferred embodiment allows the grooves to retain the various tools without the requirement for discrete fasteners. In this regard, the openings of the grooves are slightly undersized relative to the associated tools. Introduction of a tool into the opening causes slight elastic deformation of the groove.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and additional reference to FIGS. 3-6, the pegs of the present invention will be further described. Additionally, it will be noted that the construction of the stationary pegs 12 and sliding pegs 14 is identical. The stationary pegs 12 are intended to mount within apertures (not specifically shown) defined in the plastic panel 24. The sliding pegs 14 are adapted to slidably mount within elongated slots 46 defined by the plastic panel 24. FIGS. 3-6 specifically illustrate the elements of one of the stationary pegs 12. Again, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the construction of the sliding pegs 14 is identical thereto and need not be specifically addressed.

The stationary pegs 12 are illustrated to generally include a bolt 32, a handle 34 and a spool 36. The bolt 32 has a head 38 and a shaft 40. From the underside of the plastic panel, the shaft 40 passes through one of the apertures. The movable pegs similarly pass through one of the elongated slots 46. The head 38 is formed to include serrations 39. The serrations abut the plastic panel 24 and assist in preventing relative rotation. The shaft 40 passes through an aperture 50 of the spool 36. The tolerances between the shaft 40 and the aperture 50 allow free rotation of the spool 36. The shaft 40 threadably engages an internally machined aperture 42 of the locking handle 34.

The locking spool 36 defines a reduced diameter groove 44. The reduced diameter groove 44 receives a portion of the chain. Opposing portions of the chain are received by cooperating pairs of the stationary and movable pegs.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the shafts 40 of the sliding bolts 14 pass through the elongated apertures 46 of the plastic panel 24. In this regard, the sliding bolts 14 are adjustably secured to the panel 24 to thereby accommodate different lengths of chain.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus for storing a chain of a chain saw, the apparatus comprising: a lower element including at least one pair of pegs for receiving a chain, at least one peg of the at least one pair of pegs being moveably mounted with respect to the lower element; and an upper element pivotally coupled to the lower element for movement between an upper position and a lower position.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one peg of the at least one pair of pegs includes a locking mechanism for locking the at least one peg in a desired position.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a locking bolt, a locking spool, and a locking handle.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper element is formed to include at least one set of grooves for storing a plurality of tools.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an integrated handle attached to an exterior side of the upper element.
 6. An apparatus for storing a chain of a chain saw, the apparatus comprising: a panel member; a spool defining a reduced diameter groove for receiving a portion of the chain; a locking bolt passing through an aperture in the panel member and through an aperture defined by the spool; and a handle threadably engaging the locking bolt for securing the locking bolt relative to the panel member. 